We have customized assistance for:

Veterans

Veterans Employment Services at CareerForce locations include priority of service for current or former military members. Veterans employment representatives can help you if you have been discharged or left active duty in the last three years; have difficulty finding or keeping a job; or have a service-connected disability.

People with Disabilities

Ex-offenders

Job Search Help for Ex-Offenders offers information, tips, and resources to help people with criminal convictions overcome barriers they might face in their job search.

Fidelity Bonding is a no-cost insurance policy for employers who may be reluctant to hire an at-risk individual.

New Leaf is a workshop for job seekers who must address a criminal record in their job search process and are having a difficult time finding a job due to their barriers and/or records. Enter New Leaf in the Keyword Search at CareerForce events for more information and workshop locations.

More than job titles

Your skills describe what you like to do and what you are good at. You develop skills by training and experience that improve your ability to do tasks. Being able to identify and describe your skills allows you to answer key questions at job interviews such as What can you do for my organization? and What problems can you solve?

Occupation Profile lets you select different jobs and view a description of the kind of work you would be doing; Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required for that job; and a list of typical daily activities.

Occupation Search lets you select different jobs and view Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities; Occupation Specific Tasks; and Tools and Technology used in that job.

Skills has information about the skills Minnesota employers are looking for, including a list of Occupational Skills and Employability Skills.

Make a good impression

Your resume is often an employer’s first look at you. Ask yourself: How do I look? A good resume can lead to interviews and job offers, so take the time to prepare resumes that will attract the attention of employers. Yes, you will need more than one resume! Every job is different and the resume should highlight the skills needed for that job.

Here are some questions to ask yourself about your resume:

Is my resume current, complete, and customized for each job?

Has your resume been reviewed by an expert, such as a CareerForce specialist?

Job applications

Instead of submitting a resume, employers may ask you to complete an application. The information you put on an application is just another way to tell an employer about yourself. Being prepared is the best way to make sure your application shows your experience and abilities.

Find what’s in demand (Job Outlook)

Is it time for a change, either in the type of work you do or where you work? These tools show you which jobs are growing and what different jobs pay. If you’re looking for similar work in the same areas, these tools can still help you define the skills you have or to research prevailing wages for specific jobs.

Career and Education Explorer is an easy-to-use online tool. Use the Explore Careers section to find wages, jobs in demand, job openings, and more.

Occupations in Demand: See hiring trends, typical wages, education requirements, and where to find skills training.

Match Jobs to Experience: Enter the title of a job you’ve done, and get a list of other jobs you can do with that experience.

Research employers

Learn how to research potential employers. The more you know the better you can target your qualifications to the needs of the employer.

Tracking your job search

Successful job seekers manage their time. They plan each day’s activities and record results. Getting Organized discusses managing a schedule and keeping records. You can also download a Work Search Record form to record your work search activities or create your own.

Find the hidden job market

Throughout your job search, networking is a must. Employment experts agree that most job openings are never advertised. To find the “hidden job market” you need to network. Ask yourself:

Am I talking to friends, family, and others about my job search?

Have I attended a networking group or job club?

Do I have an elevator speech and business cards?

Am I using LinkedIn or other social media?

Networking is an important part of your job search.

Resources

Networking is the best strategy to find jobs that are not advertised. Networking helps to set you apart from the competition. These are some resources to help you build your job search network:

Interview and negotiate

When you get the opportunity to present yourself to an employer, you want to make the best impression you can. Ask yourself:

Have I researched the company and position?

Am I ready to answer key interview questions about myself?

Can I project a good image for the interviewer?

Do I know how to follow up after the interview?

How the Process Works

The Hiring Process discusses a few common hiring strategies and tools employers use to select candidates.

Interviews

Interviews are your chance to sell your skills, experience, and show that you are the best person for the job. Preparing for your interview can help you make it successful. These articles can help you prepare: